Nursery Volunteers Needed for August: Girls over 18 and ladies, we still need someone to cover the nursery for Sunday, August 29 at 10:00AM. Our regular attendant will return in September, but until then, we need help! Please call me at 419-882-4809 if you have any questions. Thank you, Libby Boldt

Sunday Lesson Team Members (AKA Sunday School Teachers) for children ages 4 to 4th grade are needed. Team members teach 1/2 hour once a month, every other month--or just volunteer for the number of Sundays you are willing to serve. Choice of age groups. Lessons preparation is minimal--just have to become familiar with the Bible lesson for that day, and we can help with that. Pastor Jim will be talking about our new program at the services in early August. Please talk to Pastor Jim, Karen or Libby Boldt if you have any questions. Check the bulletin board for a sheet to sign if you are interested

Thanks--this is going to be a great year for our children & team members.

The Beginnings of Sunday School

Englishman Robert Raikes (b 1735) was a Christian layman who was pained to see unschooled children working six days a week in factories or mines. On Sundays, children roamed the streets, often getting into trouble. Most didn’t know how to read or write and knew nothing about Christ or the church.

As Raikes labored to reform England’s prison system, he noticed that many children were imprisoned, stirring him to action on their behalf. He arranged for halls and homes to be used for educational purposes on Sundays, the one day children didn’t have to work. He found volunteers to teach reading, writing and math, as well as the Bible and Christian beliefs.

The first Sunday school class was held in July 1780. Amazingly, by 1788 some 250,000 children were attending such schools. This occurred despite some people’s opposition to the education of lower-class children.

Countless boys and girls have attended Sunday school classes since then, thanks to Raikes, who brought Christ’s light and love to children around the world.

Dear Lord Jesus, bless the children and youth of this nation, returning to their schools and colleges. May your Holy Spirit enlighten their minds, purify their vision and strengthen their wills. Protect them as they learn in the classroom and participate in activities outside it. May they learn to follow in your steps, just as you grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.